Jaguars v. Jets: A Preview

Well with week one in the books, it’s time to look at the Jaguars first major test of the season when they invade New York to take on Mark Sanchez and his Jets. Both teams are coming off of hard fought victories, the Jags held back the Titans 16-14 and the Jets survived 27-24 against the Cowboys. Luke McCown looked good in his debut as the Jags number one QB.

While he didn’t have a touchdown pass, he proved that he could play the ball control game, and do just enough to move the ball to get the team a win. The Jags defense played well last week, especially in the run game as Chris Johnson, who many tout as the best back in the league, only had 24 yards rushing. Of course don’t forget MJD who had the only touchdown for the Jaguars last week, and also had 94 rushing yards, he will be leaned on heavily to help the Jaguars keep the high flying Jets defense honest.

In terms of the offenses in this game, the edge is really even at the running back position, as the Jaguars have Maurice Jones-Drew, and the Jets have options with Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson. The Jets have the edge everywhere else on offense though as of course they have Sanchez, but at WR they have Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress, both of whom are big time play makers. New York also has a better offensive line, not by much though.

The Jets have the better defense in the game as well, and while they may not have a premier pass rusher they may not need it as they have two of the best corners in the game in Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. While the Jags will have Rashean Mathis the rest of the secondary lacks the firepower to stop the two prime time receivers of the Jets.

Both teams will focus on stopping the run, something the Jaguars paid a lot of money in the off season to improve. That being said its going to come down to who can pass the ball better and with the way Rex Ryan dials up blitzes and having Revis and Cromartie really helps.

If the Jags can manage to keep Holmes in check and not get throttled by the Jets run game they have a chance to survive. Though it seems the Jaguars are overwhelmed it can be a close game if they limit turnovers, but when all is said and done I think the Jets win this one going away 31-10.